The Atlanta Falcons took an almighty gamble last offseason that hasn’t fully paid off. Giving Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million contract while drafting Michael Penix Jr. in the same summer was a bold move, to say the least. Unfortunately, Cousins’ tenure on the team lasted less than one full season.
Instead, a below-average year from the veteran put Penix in the starting lineup, something he’s continuing in the 2025 season. However, for the youngster to lead Atlanta back to the playoffs, he will need all the help he can get. For one analyst, that means strengthening the defense ASAP.
Atlanta Falcons Need More Defensive Help
While a four-week stretch where Cousins totaled eight interceptions without a single touchdown drew everyone’s attention, a defense that ranked among the bottom five of the league on PFSN’s Defense+ metric affected their quest for a playoff spot.
In the offseason, Atlanta prioritized defense, adding Divine Deablo and Leonard Floyd while bringing in Jordan Fuller in the secondary. Their defensive focus also continued in Green Bay, as they spent their first four picks on that side of the football.
However, even with all the defensive additions, the corner remains a major problem for the Falcons. A plethora of safeties and upgrades on the defensive line should improve the defense. But they’ll need more help against the pass to stand a real chance.
As a result, Brandon Austin of PFSN wants them to target DaRon Bland of the Dallas Cowboys via a trade. For a team that ranked 25th in pass defense, an A.J. Terrell and Dee Alford combo isn’t cut it.
On the other hand, Bland is coming off injuries that might make him susceptible to being moved by the Cowboys. The former All-Pro selection would be the best corner in the Falcons’ room if he can put in a healthy year.
And with the addition of Shavon Revel Jr., Dallas might be open to moving him for a cheaper price. As he approaches his contract year, the former Pro Bowler could be a valuable asset to Atlanta if he can find his 2023 form again.
DARON BLAND WITH AN NFL RECORD 5TH PICK-SIX THIS SEASON 🚨
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/QLd244fC3X— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 24, 2023
That year, he led the league in interceptions while setting the NFL record with five pick-sixes in one season. He could immediately transform the Falcons’ defensive identity at his best.
And for a young team led by a quarterback with barely half a season’s worth of experience, that support from the other end of the football might be the ultimate recipe for success.